Real Wedding: A Relaxed Day in Skiathos with Jimmy Choo Wedding Shoes

Sam and Sophie tied the knot in Greece in July at a venue with breathtaking views over the ocean.
Sophie wore a beautiful illusion back wedding dress with gorgeous lace detailing by Berketex, while Sam opted to go casual in a shirt and shorts combination.
They decorated their stunning venue with glamorous balloons and Sophie chose to have a bespoke wedding ring that's so amazing it has to be seen to be believed.
Photographer | Skiathos Wedding Photography

The Greek wedding venue – Sophie and Sam decided to hold their destination wedding in Skiathos, Greece, at Skiathos Palace Hotel. “We loved the fact we could have the ceremony and reception in the same place, as well as get ready there, but ultimately it was the incredible view that was the deciding factor,” says Sophie. “We travelled to Skiathos to view several different locations, but made up our mind as soon as we saw the view. We knew the venue offered everything we could possibly ask for.” READ MORE: Top 10 tips for planning a destination wedding

Decorating the venue – With such sensational views, the venue didn’t need a great deal of decorating. “I wanted to keep it relatively laid back and relaxed, as that was the vibe of the venue, but I added the balloons to create a bit of height and give it a dreamy romantic feel,” explains Sophie. Despite holding their wedding in July in Greece, Sophie and Sam had some issues with their weather; rain was forecast on the day of their wedding, so they pushed back a day to ensure the sun was shining. If you’re not able to move your wedding date, check out our tips for surviving a rainy wedding day.

Laid back groom’s style – In keeping with their relaxed day, Sam and his groomsmen eschewed traditional suits and opted to wear Tommy Hilfiger shorts and shirts, accompanied by Gucci loafers, as spotted in You and Your Wedding!

The wedding dress – Sophie went for all out glamour with her halterneck wedding dress, created by Berketex Bride. “I fell in love with the unusual neckline and the detailed lace illusion back,” she shares.

Jimmy Choo wedding shoes – Sophie has originally planned to go barefoot on her wedding day, but in the end was seduced by this beautiful sparkling pair of Jimmy Choo wedding shoes. “I decided it was the one chance to go all out princess style!” she reveals.

The bespoke wedding ring – Rather than having a simple wedding band, Sophie chose to have one of the most beautiful we have ever seen, created bespoke for her by Jessie V E. “I was very fortunate to have a hands on role in the designing process,” she says. “I hand selected the diamonds before the final piece was made. I definitely recommend having a bespoke ring; it doesn’t cost as much as people might imagine and it ensures you have a personal touch.” Sam chose to have a Cartier Love wedding band.

Bridal accessories – As well as her show-stopping wedding band, Sophie also wore a delicate cross bracelet, which acted as her something old. The cross was left to Sophie by a relative who had passed away, and she had it attached to a simple gold chain purchased by her mother-in-law, for her grandmother-in-law.

The bridesmaid dresses – Sophie’s bridesmaids wore one shoulder dresses from Monsoon, in a nude colour with a touch of sparkle, made in a light weight material that was necessary for the hot weather. “I gave each bridesmaid a Circle of Life rose gold bracelet from Lucky Eyes London to wear on the day. They all have clovers on, which I thought was perfect for the day, and something they can continue to wear too.” READ MORE: Thoughtful and Unusual Bridesmaid Gift Ideas

The most memorable moment – “The whole day was so memorable!” says Sophie. “Seeing all our friends and family get so emotional will always stay with me, as will the beautiful sunset and the party afterwards too.”

Advice for other couples – “I know it’s tricky, but try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible on the day, and take in every moment,” advises Sophie. “The day really does fly by, especially if you have a wedding later on in the day, as we did. Take in and cherish every moment.”